| Savoca Numismatik GmbH & Co. KG > Online Auction 188 | Black | Auction date: 17 December 2023 |
| Lot number: 62 Price realized: 2,200 EUR (Approx. 2,419 USD) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: Mark Antony with Cleopatra VII of Egypt 51-30 BC. struck autumn 34 BC. Alexandria Denarius AR 17 mm, 3,79 g CLEOPATRAE [REGINAE•REGVM•FILIORVM•REG]VM, diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra to right; below, prow to right / ANTONI•ARMEN[I]A•DEVICTA, bare head of Mark Antony to right; behind, Armenian tiara. very fine Crawford 543/1; CRI 345; RBW 1832; Sydenham 1210. Cleopatra VII Philopator, born in 69 BC, was the final ruler of the Ptolemaic Empire, governing Egypt from 51 BCE until her demise in 30 BC. Descending from Ptolemy XII Auletes, she strategically formed alliances, notably becoming the ally and lover of Julius Caesar in 48 BC until his assassination in 44 BC. In the ensuing Roman power struggle, Cleopatra aligned with Mark Antony, summoned to Tarsus in 41 BC. Their meeting, marked by Cleopatra's spectacular entrance, initiated a political and romantic alliance. In Alexandria, they formed a society dedicated to the god Dionysus and had twins in 40 BC. Political complexities arose as Antony returned to Rome and married Octavia, leading to strained relations with Cleopatra. In 34 BC, despite military setbacks, they celebrated a provocative mock Roman Triumph in Alexandria, distributing lands in the controversial 'Donations of Alexandria.' This heightened tensions, and in 32 BC, Octavian declared war against Cleopatra, alleging Antony's betrayal. The Battle of Actium in 31 BC concluded with Cleopatra and Antony's defeat. Facing capture, they died in a tragic end in 30 BC, marking the end of the Ptolemaic rule and the annexation of Egypt as a Roman province. The 'Donations of Alexandria' played a pivotal role in Cleopatra's downfall, contributing to her lasting legacy as a symbol of ancient Egyptian allure and tragedy. Starting price: 1 EUR |  |
